Photography Tip - Look For Colour When Taking Photographs

Ninety percent of all photos are shot in colour. This figure may be much higher now that digital photography has taken over. Those of us who shot film for most of our lives also shot black and white if we had our own darkrooms. This was because the process was so easy and colour processing was expensive. It’s only logical that we now shoot in colour. So, why the heading “Look for Colour” The reason is that we see in colour but don’t specifically look for colour images we shoot.

I touched on this in the chapter on themes where I used the idea of using colours for themes. The dramatic effect of red resulted in a stunning set of images. So, why look for colour? We tend to look for subjects and scenes when shooting and we don’t specifically look for bright colourful objects. This is a dynamic that is missing from most of our images. We tend to record memories, events and subjects that are interesting. Very seldom do we specifically look for bright colourful objects or subjects.

Colour is what photography is all about. We see in colour and want our memories recorded in colour. But, we still don’t specifically look for colourful objects or subjects. Try this little exercise. Find some travel magazines or books and take a look at the photos. Traditional people in colourful outfits, beautiful sunrises, bright blue skies and deep green oceans are found throughout. It’s these beautiful colours that stand out and draw us into the images, which is why they are in the magazine.

Psychological research has found that colour affects us in different ways which is reflected in our emotions. We use colour to describe our feelings of envy, rage, love and fear. It’s integral to our lives so why doesn’t it reflect in our photography? Take out your photo albums or look at some of your digital photos on your PC. Sort through them and place every image that is colourful, and which you specifically shot because the colour touched or inspired you, in a pile. Now look at the two piles. Can you guess which one has the most images? You bet. It’s the pile with the least photos.

The problem with photography is that we shoot to record events and memories. We don’t shoot to record emotion and feeling. Maybe the ones taken of a dramatic sunset, but, in general we don’t. Now is the time to change your mindset when taking photos. Even when recording family occasions or events. Start thinking colour before taking a photo. What this will do is get you considering the elements of your photos. Not only should you consider your subject placement, background and composition but also the colours contained in the scene.

Think colour. Which colours will complement or contrast with each other. Which you want include and those necessary to exclude. Often by changing your viewpoint or angle will include a colour that will improve the image. Be aware of what clothing your subject is wearing and then look for backgrounds that will complement their colours. It does require you to be more thoughtful in the planning and execution of your shots.

When shooting still life shots find objects that are colourful and place them against colourful backgrounds. Or, look for colourful subjects in drab environments. For example, the little yellow crocus flower that has just pushed through the grey soil in a drab grey industrial environment. What is really necessary when looking for colour is training your eye. You need to look for the extraordinary, different or unique subjects in a scene.

True photography is executed by the photographer who thinks and ponders about the world around him or her. How it fits together and why certain things relate well to each other. Our biggest problem is that we are so used to our colourful environments that we no longer appreciate them. It’s the colourful objects that aren’t the norm that tend to attract our attention. The grey commuter bus doesn’t attract as much attention as the shiny red fire engine parked outside the fire station. The rich orange and gold sunset immediately attracts our attention because it’s not the norm.

So how do we capture colour? What is the best way? The answer is simple. We capture it by focussing on the colours we want to remember. Easier said than done. Here are a few tips:

1. Fill the image with just the colour you have chosen to shoot.

Exclude most of the other colours, if not all. When you shoot red you want to see red in the resulting image, not half red and half yellow.

2. Watch the edges of you frame.

Be aware of the colours that encroach on the scene. With digital this is easy when reviewing the images on site. If you need to zoom in tighter than do it. The final image must reflect the colour you were attempting to take. Any dominant colour will tend to reflect onto the rest of the scene.

For example, areas of bright yellow will give other subjects in your image a yellowish tint. Be aware of how the colours interact with each other. We call these colour casts.

3. Look for colours that complement each other.

That work together and make you say wow! Most of us know which colours work together. The colour wheel above gives you an idea of which colours work together. Have you ever heard the statement, “she’s got no colour sense in her clothing”? Usually we recognise the colours that don’t go together.

4. Look for colours that capture the emotion of a scene or memory.

This is more difficult. When you look at the photo in the future will it remind you of the emotions of the moment.

5. Contrast colour with black or with white.

This causes the colour to be lifted off the background and stand out. This is reflected, with white especially, in the current portrait photography business. Families in colourful clothing on a pure white background as in the photo below.

The biggest hurdle in looking for colour is the lack of thoughtful planning. The old adage says, “we can’t see the wood for all the trees.” This is true as well when looking for colour. Look for colour, isolate it and then apply the rules of good composition. If you seek you will find so keep on looking and you’ll produce images that you’ll be proud of.

Brittany has been writing articles for nearly 1 year. Come visit her latest website about bedspreads coverlets and find sales, specials, and deals on bedspreads coverlets.